Madrid – In an impressive display of public dissent, approximately 170,000 individuals gathered in central Madrid to voice their opposition to the contentious Catalan amnesty law, which played a pivotal role in securing a second term for Spain’s socialist Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez. The amnesty, offered in exchange for the support of Catalan pro-independence parties, has triggered significant backlash.
Sánchez’s reappointment on Friday, following a challenging investiture vote, ignited frustration among political opponents who accused him of hypocrisy and prioritizing personal political survival over the nation’s interests. This move has not only raised eyebrows across the political spectrum but has also sparked discontent among Spanish citizens, both on the left and right.
The orchestrated demonstration, organized by over 100 groups and associations, took place near Madrid’s Cibeles fountain. Government estimates placed the attendance at 170,000, while organizers claimed it approached a million, making it more than twice the size of the previous week’s protest. The impassioned crowd, carrying placards reading “separation of powers,” “traitors,” and “not in my name,” echoed chants demanding Sánchez’s resignation and proclaiming “Viva España.”
Police intervention became necessary after the protest, as hundreds attempted to march toward the prime minister’s official residence, the Moncloa palace. Leaders from the conservative People’s Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party were present at the demonstration.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the PP, accused Sánchez of committing a fraud against the Spanish people and underscored the challenging moment democracy faces. Santiago Abascal, Vox’s leader, pledged to persist in the struggle through sustained social mobilization and alerting international allies.
While acknowledging the right to protest, Patxi López, the PSOE’s congressional spokesperson, argued that this demonstration was fueled more by right-wing resentment than objections to the proposed amnesty. He contended that the right and far-right’s presence indicated their reluctance to accept a progressive government chosen by the social majority.
Despite the predominantly peaceful nature of recent protests, sporadic violent clashes have occurred, particularly outside the PSOE’s Madrid headquarters. Sánchez defends the amnesty law as essential for national healing and social cohesion, emphasizing its alignment with pardons issued to nine jailed Catalan leaders two years ago.
The act of clemency, intended to benefit hundreds, including former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont, faces significant public opposition. A mid-September poll revealed 70% voter opposition to the amnesty law, challenging Sánchez’s assertion that it resonates with the broader public.
